istock

On February 20th, 2024, the NCAA approved various rule changes to women’s volleyball that could have drastic impacts on the game. Players are now allowed to “contact the ball more than once with any part of the body in a single attempt on a team’s second contact when the ball is played to a teammate.” Additionally, teams are now permitted to designate two liberos, however, only one will be allowed to play on the court at any singular time. Another major rule change is that if fans are to encroach upon the playing area and the host administration cannot resolve the problem, the team will receive a red card. This now means that fans can be the direct reason their favorite teams lose the game. Minor rule changes include now permitting players to wear small nose rings and ear cuffs, as well as having all protests made to be resolved during the duration of the match. It was stated that the rationale behind these rule changes is to encourage more new players into the sport and increase engagement by allowing more players to have opportunities on the court.